Latest news with #TalorGooch
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
LIV Golf star quits US Open qualifying after just 15 holes after Rory McIlroy dig
Talor Gooch, the top earner of LIV Golf, has been vocal about the challenges of gaining access to major championships on the breakaway tour. However, his recent attempt to qualify for the U.S. Open was unsuccessful. The Oklahoma-born golfer joined the LIV circuit as a founding member in 2022 and quickly made a name for himself. He clinched the individual championship in 2023 after securing three tournament victories, making him the leader of LIV's all-time money list with more than $62 million in on-course earnings. However, his profitable stint with LIV has had its drawbacks. The 33-year-old has missed six out of the last eight major championships due to his drop in the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR). READ MORE: Liverpool confirm another departure as Anfield set for major change after 54 years READ MORE: Florian Wirtz could grab iconic Liverpool shirt number if he completes blockbuster transfer As LIV is not sanctioned by the OWGR, its players do not earn ranking points from its tournaments. This issue came to light when Scottie Scheffler's wife asked a caddie a revealing question that exposed her true feelings about him. Once ranked 31st in the world and on an upward trajectory, Gooch now sits at No. 1556 in the world rankings, reports the Mirror US. His low ranking has limited his options for qualifying for majors. For the U.S. Open and The Open Championship, he must compete in fiercely contested 36-hole qualifiers to secure one of the last spots in the field. Special invitations have been his only chance of participating in The Masters and the PGA Championship, both of which he missed this year. Gooch has been hesitant to attempt to qualify for the U.S. Open and The Open. He famously stated last year that he had no interest in competing in U.S. Open qualifying to secure a spot at Pinehurst No. 2, and his public comments have made it clear that he feels his performances on LIV should have earned him more chances to play in majors. Other LIV players have adopted a very different approach. Sergio Garcia has taken part in qualifiers whenever possible, while Joaquin Niemann has made a determined effort to participate in as many tournaments on other tours as he can - something that has caught the attention of the top brass at Augusta National and resulted in the Chilean receiving special invitations for the past two editions of The Masters. In contrast, Gooch only played in four tournaments outside of his LIV schedule in 2024. To his credit, Gooch did attempt to qualify for next month's U.S. Open at Oakmont. He was in the line-up for the final qualifying event at Bent Tree Country Club in Dallas, Texas, on Monday. However, he only lasted 15 holes before withdrawing from the event. At the time, Gooch was one-over-par, leaving him with a challenging task of climbing the leaderboard and securing one of the seven available spots at Oakmont over his remaining 21 holes. Fellow LIV member Carlos Ortiz was among the seven players who secured their places at Oakmont. While it's not confirmed if an injury influenced his decision to withdraw, fans on social media didn't hold back in ridiculing him, promptly recalling his remarks from a February 2024 interview with Australian Golf Digest. Gooch had controversially suggested that major wins might be devalued without the presence of some LIV members. "If Rory McIlroy goes and completes his Grand Slam without some of the best players in the world, there's just going to be an asterisk," he said. "It's just the reality. I think everybody wins whenever the majors figure out a way to get the best players in the world there." Currently ranked 20th in the LIV Golf standings after seven tournaments, Gooch is set to play in the upcoming LIV Golf Virginia following his season-high third-place finish at LIV Golf Korea earlier this month.
Newsweek
21-05-2025
- Sport
- Newsweek
Talor Gooch Asterisk Notion Surfaces after Quitting US Open Qualifying
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. In the world of golf, Rory McIlroy has achieved something close to GOAT status. As one of the sport's biggest names, anything he does or chooses not to do becomes headline news. Just like his recent decision to avoid speaking to the media for four consecutive days, despite being known for his strong opinions. That happened during the second major at Quail Hollow, where the green jacket winner had an unimpressive finish. Now, all eyes turn to the U.S. Open next month. But if McIlroy does win the event, there might be an "asterisk beside it," per LIV Golf's Talor Gooch. Talor Gooch walks out of U.S. Open qualifying On May 19th, Talor Gooch abruptly walked off the course for U.S. Open qualifying with three holes to play. He earned a DNF, as he likely knew advancing was beyond his reach. Golf fans wasted no time mocking him, especially given his previous "asterisk" comment about McIlroy. INCHEON, SOUTH KOREA - MAY 02: Talor Gooch of Smash GC on10th hole on day one of LIV Golf Korea at Jack Nicklaus GC Korea on May 02, 2025 in Incheon, South Korea. (Photo by... INCHEON, SOUTH KOREA - MAY 02: Talor Gooch of Smash GC on10th hole on day one of LIV Golf Korea at Jack Nicklaus GC Korea on May 02, 2025 in Incheon, South Korea. (Photo by Chung Sung-Jun/Getty Images) More Getty Images Back in 2024, when McIlroy was still chasing his Masters victory to complete the career Grand Slam, Gooch was quick to suggest that if he won, it would come with an "asterisk." Here's the full Gooch quote: "If Rory McIlroy goes and completes his [career] grand slam without some of the best players in the world, there's just going to be an asterisk. It's just the reality. I think everybody wins whenever the majors figure out a way to get the best players in the world there." Although McIlroy later gave Gooch the "benefit of the doubt", the comment sent the golf world into a frenzy, and now, the conversation has reignited. Gooch becomes a laughing stock among golf fans As soon as the news broke, fans flooded social media with reactions. NUCLR Golf posted on X: "This year's U.S. Open will have an asterisk beside it as LIV Golf star Talor Gooch will not be in the field after walking off the course with 3 holes to play at final qualifying. He DNF." 🚨*️⃣🇺🇸 #NEW — This year's U.S. Open will have an asterisk beside it as LIV Golf star Talor Gooch will not be in the field after walking off the course with 3 holes to play at final qualifying. He DNF. — NUCLR GOLF (@NUCLRGOLF) May 20, 2025 One user responded with an iconic meme GIF from Goodfellas, while others pointed out Gooch's lack of major success: "He has 1 career win (RSM Classic) when he played on tour." Compared to other players who successfully qualify for majors, Gooch's record doesn't stack up. Another fan sarcastically referenced Greg Norman's past praise of Gooch, posting: "Best iron player in the game over last 20 years, they said." The result? Heavy criticism of Norman for his exaggerated claims. And the roasting didn't stop there! One golf fan hilariously posted: "Can't call yourself a major if Talor's not in the field." All told, McIlroy moved into legendary status last month while Gooch remains mostly irrelevant in the golf world. More Golf: Lefty Forced to Eat His Words after Scottie Scheffler Wins PGA Championship
Fox Sports
05-02-2025
- Sport
- Fox Sports
LIV Golf players now have their own path to U.S. Open exemption
The U.S. Open became the first major to publish a direct pathway for LIV Golf players, on Wednesday announcing a new exemption category that awards one spot to the leading player from among the top three at LIV's halfway point this year. The next exemption category will include one spot this year from the May 19 standings in LIV. Starting with the 2026 U.S. Open, the USGA will take the leading player in the final 2025 individual standings, along with the leading player from the May 18, 2026, list. In each case, the exemption goes to the leading player not already exempt, and the player must be among the top three in the standings. The other majors have not turned away players from the Saudi-backed LIV Golf League. The Masters has invited Joaquin Niemann each of the last two years, though Augusta National based that on his international play. The PGA Championship has invited LIV players based on their world ranking, and for 2024 at Valhalla it invited Talor Gooch, who had won three times on LIV the previous year. But the PGA of America does not have specific criteria, lumping LIV players and others into "special invitations." Niemann and Sergio Garcia have already received PGA invitations this year. [Related: The LIV Golf roster is loaded! Meet the star players & teams for 2025] For this year's U.S. Open, an exemption from qualifying will be given "the top player who is not otherwise exempt and in the top three" of the LIV individual standings as of May 19. That could mean no one gets that exemption if the leading three are already eligible. Bryson DeChambeau, Jon Rahm, Brooks Koepka, Dustin Johnson, Richard Bland, Phil Mickelson and Cameron Smith are LIV players currently exempt. "We're pleased that the USGA has formally created a new exemption for LIV Golf players to compete in the U.S. Open and appreciate Mike Whan's leadership and commitment to growing the game of golf," said Scott O'Neil, the new CEO of LIV Golf. "Every golf fan in the world longs to see the greatest players in the world competing on golf's biggest stages at the majors," O'Neil said. "LIV Golf is committed to working hand in hand with golf's governing bodies to elevate the sport in all corners of the world." The U.S. Open is June 12-15 at Oakmont Country Club in the Pittsburgh suburbs. "The USGA continues to evaluate the pathways that exist to ensure those playing their best have the opportunity to compete in our national championship," said John Bodenhamer, the USGA chief championships officer. "Consistent with our historical approach, we continuously evaluate talent levels on professional tours and in amateur events, which has led us to add a new exemption category." In addition to the new category, the USGA will offer exemptions from the first stage of 18-hole qualifying starting next year to the top 10 players on the LIV points list on April 7, 2026. Five LIV events will have been played by then. LIV begins its fourth season on Thursday under the lights at Riyadh Golf Club in Saudi Arabia, equipped with its first network deal with Fox Sports. It also has events scheduled for Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore, Miami and South Korea before the U.S. Open exemption deadline. Players from the breakaway league always have been able to go through qualifying — four LIV players made it through U.S. Open qualifying last year. But having a set target could be seen as a boost, particularly to young players who have no status on established tours. [Related: 2025 LIV Golf Riyadh odds, predictions: Favorites, picks from the field] Among the young players who joined LIV Golf this year are Tom McKibbin of Northern Ireland, Frederik Kjettrup of Denmark, Luis Masaveu of Spain and Yubin Jang of South Korea. Reporting by The Associated Press. Want great stories delivered right to your inbox? Create or log in to your FOX Sports account, and follow leagues, teams and players to receive a personalized newsletter daily! Get more from PGA Tour Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more
Chicago Tribune
05-02-2025
- Sport
- Chicago Tribune
US Open is 1st major to add an exemption category for LIV Golf players
The U.S. Open became the first major to publish a direct pathway for LIV Golf players, announcing a new exemption category Wednesday that awards one spot to the leading player from among the top three at LIV's halfway point this year. The next exemption category will include one spot this year from the May 19 standings in LIV. Starting with the 2026 U.S. Open, the USGA will take the leading player in the final 2025 individual standings, along with the leading player from the May 18, 2026, list. In each case, the exemption goes to the leading player not already exempt, and the player must be among the top three in the standings. The other majors have not turned away players from the Saudi-backed LIV Golf League. The Masters has invited Joaquin Niemann each of the last two years, though Augusta National based that on his international play. The PGA Championship has invited LIV players based on their world ranking, and for 2024 at Valhalla it invited Talor Gooch, who had won three times on LIV the previous year. But the PGA of America does not have specific criteria, lumping LIV players and others into 'special invitations.' Niemann and Sergio Garcia already have received PGA Championship invitations this year. For this year's U.S. Open, an exemption from qualifying will be given to 'the top player who is not otherwise exempt and in the top three' of the LIV individual standings as of May 19. That could mean no one gets that exemption if the leading three are already eligible. Bryson DeChambeau, Jon Rahm, Brooks Koepka, Dustin Johnson, Richard Bland, Phil Mickelson and Cameron Smith are LIV players currently exempt. 'We're pleased that the USGA has formally created a new exemption for LIV Golf players to compete in the U.S. Open and appreciate Mike Whan's leadership and commitment to growing the game of golf,' said Scott O'Neil, the new CEO of LIV Golf. 'Every golf fan in the world longs to see the greatest players in the world competing on golf's biggest stages at the majors. LIV Golf is committed to working hand in hand with golf's governing bodies to elevate the sport in all corners of the world.' The U.S. Open will be played June 12-15 at Oakmont Country Club in the Pittsburgh suburbs. 'The USGA continues to evaluate the pathways that exist to ensure those playing their best have the opportunity to compete in our national championship,' said John Bodenhamer, the USGA chief championships officer. 'Consistent with our historical approach, we continuously evaluate talent levels on professional tours and in amateur events, which has led us to add a new exemption category.' In addition to the new category, the USGA will offer exemptions from the first stage of 18-hole qualifying starting next year to the top 10 players on the LIV points list on April 7, 2026. Five LIV events will have been played by then. LIV begins its fourth season Thursday under the lights at Riyadh Golf Club in Saudi Arabia, equipped with its first network deal with Fox Sports. It also has events scheduled for Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore, Miami and South Korea before the U.S. Open exemption deadline. Players from the breakaway league always have been able to go through qualifying — four LIV players made it through U.S. Open qualifying last year. But having a set target could be seen as a boost, particularly to young players who have no status on established tours. Among the young players who joined LIV Golf this year are Tom McKibbin of Northern Ireland, Frederik Kjettrup of Denmark, Luis Masaveu of Spain and Yubin Jang of South Korea.
Fox Sports
05-02-2025
- Sport
- Fox Sports
LIV Golf players now have their own path to US Open exemption
Associated Press The U.S. Open became the first major to publish a direct pathway for LIV Golf players, on Wednesday announcing a new exemption category that awards one spot to the leading player from among the top three at LIV's halfway point this year. The next exemption category will include one spot this year from the May 19 standings in LIV. Starting with the 2026 U.S. Open, the USGA will take the leading player in the final 2025 individual standings, along with the leading player from the May 18, 2026, list. In each case, the exemption goes to the leading player not already exempt, and the player must be among the top three in the standings. The other majors have not turned away players from the Saudi-backed LIV Golf League. The Masters has invited Joaquin Niemann each of the last two years, though Augusta National based that on his international play. The PGA Championship has invited LIV players based on their world ranking, and for 2024 at Valhalla it invited Talor Gooch, who had won three times on LIV the previous year. But the PGA of America does not have specific criteria, lumping LIV players and others into 'special invitations.' Niemann and Sergio Garcia already have received PGA invitations this year. For this year's U.S. Open, an exemption from qualifying will be given 'the top player who is not otherwise exempt and in the top three" of the LIV individual standings as of May 19. That could mean no one gets that exemption if the leading three are already eligible. Bryson DeChambeau, Jon Rahm, Brooks Koepka, Dustin Johnson, Richard Bland, Phil Mickelson and Cameron Smith are LIV players currently exempt. 'We're pleased that the USGA has formally created a new exemption for LIV Golf players to compete in the U.S. Open and appreciate Mike Whan's leadership and commitment to growing the game of golf," said Scott O'Neil, the new CEO of LIV Golf. 'Every golf fan in the world longs to see the greatest players in the world competing on golf's biggest stages at the majors,' O'Neil said. "LIV Golf is committed to working hand in hand with golf's governing bodies to elevate the sport in all corners of the world.' The U.S. Open is June 12-15 at Oakmont Country Club in the Pittsburgh suburbs. 'The USGA continues to evaluate the pathways that exist to ensure those playing their best have the opportunity to compete in our national championship,' said John Bodenhamer, the USGA chief championships officer. 'Consistent with our historical approach, we continuously evaluate talent levels on professional tours and in amateur events, which has led us to add a new exemption category.' In addition to the new category, the USGA will offer exemptions from the first stage of 18-hole qualifying starting next year to the top 10 players on the LIV points list on April 7, 2026. Five LIV events will have been played by then. LIV begins its fourth season on Thursday under the lights at Riyadh Golf Club in Saudi Arabia, equipped with its first network deal with Fox Sports. It also has events scheduled for Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore, Miami and South Korea before the U.S. Open exemption deadline. Players from the breakaway league always have been able to go through qualifying — four LIV players made it through U.S. Open qualifying last year. But having a set target could be seen as a boost, particularly to young players who have no status on established tours. Among the young players who joined LIV Golf this year are Tom McKibbin of Northern Ireland, Frederik Kjettrup of Denmark, Luis Masaveu of Spain and Yubin Jang of South Korea. ___ AP golf:
